Europa to recruit future leaders straight from school | Post & Parcel

UK independent freight forwarder, Europa Worldwide Group has launched a recruitment programme to recruit passionate people straight from school.

The new Rapid Career Development Programme (RCDP) was conceived by Europa’s Managing Director Andrew Baxter, who aims to recruit 30 enthusiastic and driven individuals straight from school, this year who will then be trained and guided internally to become future leaders of the business.

The goal is to appeal to highly ambitious and focused individuals who are keen to learn and earn, to hit the ground running and to start progressing up the career ladder from as early as 18-years-old.

The first successful candidate to secure a job at Nottingham Europa Road branch in Colwick Quays Business Park is 18-year-old Max Holbrook. Max excelled through a rigorous application process which involved a written application, submission of his final school report and predicted A-Level grades as well as a one-on-one half an hour interview.

Branch and Sales Director at Europa Dionne Redpath said: “We’re delighted that Max has become the first appointment on our unique RCDP at our Nottingham branch. He really impressed at interview and demonstrated a natural flair already!

“This is a career jumpstart programme – learning on the job from our experienced Account Managers. The four-year programme will see Max progress from junior/ trainee team members to experienced Account Managers earning upwards of £30,000 per year, with a company car phone and laptop plus annual performance related bonuses. This sort of opportunity for school leavers is rare, if not unheard of in my experience, and we’re thrilled to be leading the way in piloting such an exciting and dynamic initiative.”

Managing Director at Europa Andrew Baxter said: “I’m a passionate advocate of learning on the job and gaining experience in your chosen career path without the burden of starting a career in debt. I personally didn’t go to university and started working straight from school – and today I’m directing an international business, employing 900 staff on course to exceed the £220 million turnover mark by the end of this year. That’s why we launched this programme – to find the young people out there who have the same drive and passion as myself and my senior team and to embed them within our business from a young age.”

Max, who joined Europa in August – is part of a team of eight in Nottingham and is being mentored by its branch manager Joe Partner. Max added: “This is a great opportunity, I feel like I’m learning every day – this isn’t an apprenticeship it’s more unique, and I’m glad to be part of such a great team here in Nottingham.

“I knew in the sixth form that University wasn’t the best option for me, I worked in retail whilst I was at school and wanted to get into a career straightaway rather than continue in education. I find it’s much better to learn hands-on especially with an experienced company in an ever-growing industry.”

The Rapid Career Development Programme pilot is set to be rolled out to Europa Road’s 13 other UK branches this year.